Electronic device stand

ABSTRACT

A stand for holding a device comprising: a base; a first support member oriented in a vertical direction in operable communication with the base; a second support member oriented in a horizontal direction in operable communication with the first support member; wherein the second support member comprises at least one retaining member angled away from the second support member in a vertical direction; wherein at least one of the base, first support member, and second support member comprises an adjustment mechanism allowing for the adjustment of the location of the retaining member; wherein the stand comprises a one-piece unit.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/889,605 filed Oct. 11, 2013. The relatedapplication is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to stands and in particular to stands forpersonal electronic devices, methods of manufacture, and uses thereof.

Stands for personal electronic devices can be complicated and rely onuser assembly. One-piece stands that are rigid may not allow for theadjustment of the stand as desired. Previous attempts to produce anadjustable stand involved multiple parts to interact to provideadjustability. However, such multiple piece approaches can havedrawbacks. An undesirably large number of pieces can add complexity thatcan exacerbate manufacturing error by increasing the chance for partincompatibility and by increasing opportunities for incorrect assembly.If the stand is to be assembled prior to shipment, such an approach canadd to manufacturing time and expense. Because variances inmanufacturing processes can result in pieces that function poorlytogether or become incompatible, simplified assemblies are desired.

There accordingly remains a need in the art for a stand that reducesassembly effort while allowing for improved adjustability.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein are stands for electronic devices, methods ofmanufacture, and uses thereof.

In an embodiment, a stand for holding a device comprising: a base; afirst support member oriented in a vertical direction in operablecommunication with the base; a second support member oriented in ahorizontal direction in operable communication with the first supportmember; wherein the second support member comprises at least oneretaining member angled away from the second support member in avertical direction; wherein at least one of the base, first supportmember, and second support member comprises an adjustment mechanismallowing for the adjustment of the location of the retaining member;wherein the stand comprises a one-piece unit.

The above described problems and solutions as well as other features andsolutions are exemplified by the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a stand for according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is cross sectional isometric view of the stand of FIG. 1

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the stand of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the stand of FIG. 1

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a stand according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional isometric view of the stand of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional isometric rear view of the stand of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a stand according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of the stand of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a stand according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of the stand of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a side view of an embodiment of the stand illustrating themovement of the retaining member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Without being bound by theory, it is believed that the favorable resultsobtained herein, e.g., an adjustable, one-piece stand for an electronicdevice, can be made through an additive manufacturing process.

The term “electronic device” as used herein refers to at least one of adigital music player, a digital video player, a cellular phone (e.g.,smartphone), a personal digital assistant, a handheld digital computer(e.g., a calculator, a tablet personal computer, a netbook computer, ora portable gaming console), or another device with the capability todisplay images, text, and/or videos.

The stand can be manufactured with an additive manufacturing process.Additive manufacturing processes, or three dimensional (3-D) printing,are generally defined as processes that build a solid object from aseries of layers with each layer formed on top of the previous layer.For example, 3-D printing refers to a variety of processes includingMaterial Extrusion, Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) or Fused FilamentFabrication (FFF), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Direct Metal LaserSintering (DMLS), Electron Beam Freeform Fabrication (EBF³), ElectronBeam Melting (EBM), Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM),Stereolithography (SLA), and Digital Light Processing (DLP).

Material Extrusion, Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and/or FusedFilament Fabrication (FFF) can involve building a part or articlelayer-by-layer by heating thermoplastic material to a semi-liquid stateand extruding it according to computer-controlled paths. FDM can use amodeling material and a support material. The modeling material cancomprise the finished piece, and the support material can comprisescaffolding that can be washed away or dissolved when the process iscomplete. The process can involve depositing material to complete eachlayer before the base moves down the Z-axis and the next layer begins.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) can involve sintering of very finepowders layer by layer from the bottom up until the product iscompleted. The process can begin by the input of one or more data filessuch as a 3-D CAD file and, a control program to convert the CAD filesinto instructions to control the layer by layer formation of the metalparts. The layer by layer formation can be accomplished by lasersintering a first layer onto a platform. The platform can then lower anda fresh layer of powder can be swept over the previously sintered layer,and the next layer can be sintered or added on top of the previouslyformed layer. SLS can utilize a wide variety of materials includingplastic, metal (direct metal laser sintering), ceramic, and/or glasspowders. Unlike Material Extrusion, FDM or FFF, SLS does not require theuse of a support material.

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) is a subset of SLS involving the useof powdered metal materials, and in particular metal alloys. Forexample, DMLS can utilize 17-4 and 15-5 stainless steel, maraging steel,cobalt chromium, inconel 625 and 718, and titanium (e.g., Ti6Al4V) asbuilding materials.

Electron Beam Melting (EBM) is a process that utilizes fully dense metalcomponents that can be built up, layer by layer, of metal powder, whichcan then be melted by a powerful electron beam. Each layer can be meltedto the exact geometry defined by a CAD model. The process can take placein vacuum and at high temperature, resulting in stress relievedcomponents with material properties better than cast and comparable towrought material.

Electron Beam Freeform Fabrication (EBF³) can use a focused electronbeam in a vacuum environment to create a molten pool on a metallicsubstrate. The beam can be translated with respect to the surface of thesubstrate while metal wire can be fed into the molten pool. The depositsolidifies immediately after the electron beam has passed, generating asufficient structural strength to support itself. The sequence can berepeated in a layer-additive manner to produce a near-net-shape partrequiring only finish machining. In an EBF³ process, a design drawing ofa three-dimensional (3D) object may be sliced into different layers as apreparatory step, with the electron beam tracing each of the variouslayers within a vacuum chamber. The layers ultimately cool into adesired complex or 3D shape.

Stereolithography (SLA) can use a photopolymer resin that can beselectively hardened by a laser beam delivering UV light at desirablespots on each thin resin layer.

Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) laminates can cut sheets of aspecial paper to create 3D parts. Layers of adhesive-coated paper,plastic, or metal laminates can be successively glued together and cutto shape with a knife or laser cutter.

Digital Light Processing (DLP) exposes photopolymer filled with ceramicpowder to light from a digital light processing (DLP) projector. Thelight can harden the mix materials and a layer of the object can betherefore created. After every layer the Z-platform can move up and thelighting process for a new layer can start until the desired shape isformed.

Depending on the additive process used, the stand can be made from avariety of materials including polymeric materials, ceramics, glass, andmetallic alloys.

The stand can include various polymeric materials. Polymeric materialscan include thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, as well ascombinations comprising at least one of these. Some examples ofthermoplastics include polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadienestyrene (ABS), acrylic, celluloid, cellulose acetate, ethylene-vinylacetate (EVA), ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), fluoroplastics, ionomers,acrylic-polyvinyl chloride (e.g., Kydex™), liquid crystal polymer (LCP),polyacetal (POM or acetal), polyacrylates (acrylic), polyacrylonitrile(PAN or acrylonitrile), polyamide (PA or nylon), polyamide-imide (PAI),polyaryletherketone (PAEK or ketone), polybutadiene (PBD), polybutylene(PB), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polycaprolactone (PCL),polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET),polycyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate (PCT), polyhydroxyalkanoates(PHAs), polyketone (PK), polyester, polyethylene (PE),polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK),polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone (PES), polysulfone,polyethylenechlorinates (PEC), polyimide (PI), polylactic acid (PLA),polymethylpentene (PMP), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polyphenylenesulfide (PPS), polyphthalamide (PPA), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene(PS), polysulfone (PSU), polyphenylsulfone, polytrimethyleneterephthalate (PTT), polyurethane (PU), polyvinyl acetate (PVA),polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), andstyrene-acrylonitrile (SAN), as well as combinations comprising at leastone of the foregoing.

Examples of thermoset materials can include unsaturated polyester,phenolic, epoxy, urethane, urea, and vinyl ester resins, andcombinations comprising at least one of the foregoing.

Alumina, zirconia, zircon (i.e., zirconium silicate), and siliconcarbide are representative ceramic materials.

Powdered metals can be any powdered metal available on the marketcapable of being sintered and includes, but is not limited to, 303stainless steel, 304 stainless steel, 431 stainless steel, 432 stainlesssteel, iron, copper, bronze, aluminum, tungsten, chromium-cobalt alloy,titanium and titanium alloys, or similar materials and combinationscomprising at least one of the foregoing.

The use of an additive manufacturing process advantageously allows for aone-piece stand that can be adjusted using moving parts without thenecessity of assembly. For example, additive manufacturing can produce astand with moving parts that cannot be assembled from separatecomponents and cannot be disassembled without damaging or destroying thestand.

As shown in FIG. 1, a one-piece stand 1 comprises several componentsincluding base 10 and vertical support member 20 (also referred to asfirst support member). Vertical support member 20 can be substantiallyvertical. In other words, vertical support member 20 can deviate from avertical plane by about 45° in either direction when measured from oneendpoint to the other endpoint. For example, with reference to FIG. 1,endpoint EP1 is located at the top of vertical support member 20, andendpoint EP2 is located at the intersection of vertical support member20 and base 10. A line joining endpoint EP1 with endpoint EP2 can besubstantially vertical (e.g., within −45° to 45° from a vertical planepassing through EP1). Vertical support member 20 can be curved, planar,or a combination thereof.

The one-piece stand 1 can also comprise a horizontal support member 30(also referred to as second support member) that can be substantiallyhorizontal. In other words, horizontal support member 30 can deviatefrom a vertical plane by about 45° in either direction when measuredfrom one endpoint to the other endpoint. For example, with reference toFIG. 2, a line joining endpoint EP3 with endpoint EP4 can besubstantially horizontal (e.g., within −45° to 45° from a horizontalplane passing through EP3). Horizontal support member 30 can be curved,planar, or a combination thereof.

In operative communication with the vertical support member can be abase 10. As shown in FIG. 1, horizontal support member 30 is in operablecommunication with vertical support member 20 through adjustmentmechanism 50, which, as shown in FIG. 1, comprises hinges 51, 52 (alsoknown as first hinge and second hinge) and connection arm 53 (alsoreferred to as connecting member).

Horizontal support member 30 can include retaining member 40 on its freeend. As shown in FIG. 1, retaining member 40 can be angled away from theremainder of horizontal supporting member 30, so as to hold a device inplace. For example, retaining member 40 can act as a lip to prevent adevice from sliding off horizontal support member. The free end ofhorizontal support member 30 can also include an aperture 35, which canbe fully enclosed or “U” shaped. Aperture 35 advantageously allows for acord, such as a power cord, to connect to the device while it issupported by the stand. The free end of horizontal support member 30and/or retaining member 40 can include a securing mechanism for furtherretaining the device in place. For example, suction cups (e.g.,microsuction cups), a layer (e.g., that adds surface texture to increasefriction if the device moves, that has adhesive properties, and/or thathas elastomeric properties), a groove (e.g., that can receive an end ofthe device), and combinations comprising at least one of the foregoingcan be used as securing mechanisms. In addition, as shown in FIG. 3,base 10 can include notch 70 extending from the front of the base to therear of the base, which can advantageously allow a cord to pass from thedevice through aperture 35 and under base 10.

One or more of the components described above can incorporate a wirelesscharging capability. For example, vertical support member 20, horizontalsupport member 30, and/or retaining member 40 can include wirelesscharging capability. Base 10 can include a power source, such as abattery or operative connection to a power supply (e.g., a wall outlet).

One or more of the components described above can include a wiredcharging capability. For example, base 10 can include a power sourcesuch as a battery or can have a power cord (e.g., that can be arrangedin operative communication with a power supply such as a wall outlet).One or more of horizontal support member 30, vertical support member 20,and/or retaining member 40 can include a wire leading to a connectionfor charging an electronic device. For example, a wire can beincorporated from base 10, through a portion of vertical support member20 and a portion of horizontal support member 30, terminating ataperture 35 with a connection mechanism configured to connect to anelectronic device.

FIG. 1 illustrates adjustment mechanism 50 comprises hinges 51, 52 andconnection arm 53. It is noted that the design can be free of hinges(e.g., see FIG. 5). FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of the stand ofFIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4, connection arm 53 joins vertical supportmember 20 and horizontal support member 30. In operation the location ofretaining member 40 can be adjusted through manipulation of connectionarm 53 via hinges 51, 52.

Vertical support member 20 can have an opening 25 through whichhorizontal support member 30 passes. Opening 25 can be fully enclosedwithin vertical support member 20, or open on one side. Through the useof additive manufacturing, it is possible for horizontal support member30 to have portions with a greater width at points adjacent opening 25than points passing through opening 25. Thus, a reduction in materialcan be achieved that would not be possible with multiple pieceassemblies or other manufacturing methods. In other words, horizontalsupport member 30 can include portions that would be too wide to fitthrough opening 25 at both of its ends (e.g., a generally hour glassshape). Thus, methods such as injection molding would not be capable offorming a stand with horizontal support member 30 at least becausehorizontal support 30 member would not fit through opening 25.Accordingly, an additive manufacturing process advantageously allowshorizontal support member 30 to include portions on both sides of theopening 25 that are wider than opening 25; e.g., the width of thehorizontal support member 30 on each side of the opening 25 is greaterthan the size of the opening 25.

Horizontal support member 30 can include a locking mechanism thatcorresponds with a corresponding component on vertical support member20. As illustrated in FIG. 2, horizontal support member 30 can include aplurality of recesses 61 that correspond to a locking tab 62 located onvertical support member 20. In operation, the stand can be adjusted bymoving horizontal support member 30 via connection arm 53. In addition,once a suitable position has been selected, the stand can be locked byaligning a particular recess 61 with the locking tab 62 and insertingthe locking tab 62 into the recess 61, thereby preventing movement ofhorizontal support member 30 in at least one direction.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate an alternative adjustment mechanism. As shown inFIGS. 5-7, the vertical support member, connection arm, and horizontalsupport member can be hingeless (e.g., with no hinges therebetween).Here, the connection arm 53 which joins vertical support member 20 andhorizontal support member 30 is merely a portion of a continuouselement. Vertical support member 20 intersects bottom support member 22(also referred to as the third support member) and includes one or moresupport ribs 21, which can be located at the intersection of verticalsupport member 20 and bottom support member 22. Bottom support member 22can have a lower surface that is complimentary to the upper surface ofbase 10. As shown in FIG. 6, bottom support member 22 can be joined tobase 10 through hinge 151. Base 10 can include track 82, which is sizedto accommodate wedge 80. Thus, the adjustment mechanism can includehinge 151, bottom support member 22, wedge 80, and track 82. Inoperation, retaining member 40 can be moved by sliding wedge 80 alongtrack 82, which allows wedge 80 to move under bottom support member 22,causing bottom support member 22 to pivot on hinge 151. One or morelocking recesses 83 can be formed in the bottom surface of bottomsupport member 22 and configured to receive wedge 80. In operation, thestand can be locked into a position by aligning wedge 80 with aparticular locking recess 83 such that the wedge extends into therecess. Wedge 80 is in operable communication with hinge 85 and tab 86.For example, wedge 80 can be moved on track 82 by lifting tab 86 on theaxis of hinge 85 and pushing or pulling wedge 80 to a desired positionvia tab 86.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate another adjustment mechanism. Here, adjustmentmechanism 250 can include wheel opening 91, adjustment wheel 90,threaded rod 95, recess 97, and bottom support member 22. Verticalsupport member can include wheel opening 91, which is sized toaccommodate an adjustment wheel 90. Adjustment wheel 90 can include ahollow center sized to accommodate threaded rod 95. Bottom supportmember 22 can include an opening sized to accommodate threaded rod 95such that movement of threaded rod 95 moves bottom support member 22.Base 10 can include recess 97 with sides that are angled to a greaterextent than the sides of threaded rod 95. In other words, there can be agap between one or both sides of recess 97 and threaded rod 95 whenthreaded rod 95 is located within recess 97. In addition, the bottom ofthreaded rod 95 can be rounded to facilitate a pivoting movement againstthe bottom of recess 97, which can include a rounded geometrycomplimentary to the bottom of threaded rod 95.

In operation, the turning of wheel 90 in one direction allows forseparation between wheel 90, bottom support member 22, and the uppersurface of base 10. The separation between these components allows forthe movement of threaded rod 95 within recess 97. Adjustment is achievedby the movement of threaded rod 95 within recess 97, which in turn movesbottom support member 22, (hence also moving vertical support member 20and horizontal support member 30). The stand can be adjusted bypositioning retaining member 40 to a desired location through themanipulation of threaded rod 95 within recess 97. Wheel 90 can be turnedin the opposite direction, thereby eliminating separation between wheel90, bottom support member 22, and the upper surface of base 10, lockingthreaded rod 95 in the desired location within the recess. In otherwords, the wheel 90 can be turned to engage the bottom support member 22and retain it in the desired location. Thus, bottom support member 22,vertical support member 20, and horizontal support member 30 are alsolocked into a desired position.

Alternatively or in addition to recess 97 allowing movement of bottomsupport member 22 can comprise a slot 98 through which threaded rod 95extends such that when the wheel 90 is moved to the release position(such that it does not engage the bottom support member 22), the bottomsupport member 22 can be moved by sliding the threaded rod along theslot 98.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, locking mechanism 60 can include lockingarm 102, hinge 251, recess(s) 107, and protrusion 110 (e.g., that canform a handle or grip). In operation, adjustment can be achieved bypressing wedge 80 against bottom support member 22, causing bottomsupport member 22 to pivot on hinge 252 and causing locking arm 102 tomove with respect to the channel 112 in the base 10 by pivoting on hinge251. The pivoting motion moves retaining member 40 with respect to base10. When a suitable location for retaining member 40 is selected, arecess 107 can be engaged by projection 114 extending from a wall of thechannel 112, retaining the locking arm 102 in the desired position.

Base 10 can include an attachment mechanism for securing the stand toanother surface. The attachment mechanism can comprise one or more of aclip, bolt, or similar device for attachment to another surface. Inaddition, the bottom surface of base 10 can be textured and/or include aweight to reduce slippage on a surface. Additional pieces can be used tofurther secure base 10 to another surface. For example, base 10 can beconfigured to house one or more suction cups and/or microsuction cups.In addition, base 10 can include a material with adhesive properties toprevent slippage. The bottom surface of base 10 can be shaped tocompliment the shape of the surface to which the stand will be attached.For example, when used on a desk or other flat surface, the bottomsurface of base 10 can be flat. When used on a dashboard or a curvedsurface, the bottom surface of base 10 can be curved to fit the slope orcurve of the dashboard.

The various components described above can be used interchangeably. Forexample, locking mechanism 60 shown in FIG. 10 can be employed with theadjustment mechanism of FIG. 1. In addition, the various componentsdescribed above can be implemented in an opposite orientation. Forexample, regarding FIG. 10, protrusion 110 can be located on locking arm102 and recess 107 can be located on base 10.

The various components described above and/or portions of the componentscan be made from multiple materials. For example, base 10 can be made ofa metallic material and vertical support member 20 can be polymeric.Similarly, the various components described above and/or portions of thecomponents can be different colors. For example, a portion of base 10can be black, while a portion of vertical support member can be white.

The adjustment mechanisms 50, 150, 250 discussed above allow retainingmember 40 to be moved over a range with respect to a horizontal plane,depicted as angle α in FIG. 11. As described herein, the motion ofretaining member 40 is measured at a point A depicted in FIG. 11. Forexample, retaining member 40 can be moved over a range of about 0° toabout 45° from a horizontal plane. Specifically, retaining member 40 canbe moved over a range of 0° to 30° from a plane parallel to a horizontalplane.

Set forth below are examples of the stand described here.

Embodiment 1

A stand for holding a device comprising: a base; a first support memberoriented in a vertical direction in operable communication with thebase; a second support member oriented in a horizontal direction inoperable communication with the first support member; a retaining memberextending from the second support member and angled in a verticaldirection, away from the base; and an adjustment mechanism configured toadjust the location and/or angle of the retaining member; wherein thestand was formed as a one-piece unit that cannot be disassembled.

Embodiment 2

The stand of Embodiment 1, wherein the second support member is inoperable communication with the first support member through aconnection member.

Embodiment 3

The stand of any of Embodiments 1-2, wherein the connection member andfirst support member are attached together via a first hinge.

Embodiment 4

The stand of any of Embodiments 1-3, wherein the connection member andsecond support member are attached together via a second hinge.

Embodiment 5

A stand for holding a device comprising: a base; a single holding memberformed by a first support member oriented in a vertical direction inoperable communication with the base, a second support portion orientedin a horizontal direction in operable communication with the firstsupport member, and a connection member connecting the first supportmember and the second support member, wherein there are no hingesbetween the first support member, second support member and connectionmember; a retaining member extending from the second support member andangled in a vertical direction, away from the base; and an adjustmentmechanism configured to adjust the location and/or angle of theretaining member; wherein the stand was formed as a one-piece unit thatcannot be disassembled.

Embodiment 6

The stand of any of Embodiments 1-5, wherein the adjustment mechanismcomprises a hinge such that the angle of the retaining member can beadjusted.

Embodiment 7

The stand of any of Embodiments 1-6, wherein the adjustment mechanism ison the base and comprises a wedge and track.

Embodiment 8

The stand of any of Embodiments 2-7, further comprising a lockingmechanism in operable communication with the base and at least one ofthe connecting member and the second member.

Embodiment 9

The stand of Embodiment 8, wherein the locking mechanism comprises: alocking member a channel through the base, wherein a wall of the channelcomprises a projection configured to engage the recess; a wedgeextending from the base, wherein the wedge is configured to move along atrack and thereby contact a third support member that extends from thefirst support member along the base to a base hinge. The locking membercomprises a protrusion extending away from the base to enable manualadjustment of the locking member with respect to the base, and aplurality of recesses located between the protrusion and an end of thelocking member that extends through the base.

Embodiment 10

The stand of any of Embodiments 1-8, further comprising a third supportmember that extends from the first support member along the base to abase hinge; a wedge extending from the base, wherein the wedge isconfigured to move along a track in the base, below the third supportmember and change the orientation of the first support member; and alocking recess configured to receive the wedge.

Embodiment 11

The stand of Embodiment 10, further comprising a tab connected to thewedge with a tab hinge, wherein the tab is configured to rotate aboutthe tab hinge to a use position wherein pressure on the tab pushes thewedge along the track, or pulls the wedge along the track.

Embodiment 12

The stand of any of Embodiments 10-11, wherein the locking member is inoperable communication with at least one of the connecting member andthe second member via a locking member hinge.

Embodiment 13

The stand of any of Embodiments 1-12, wherein the adjustment mechanismcomprises an opening though the third support member; a recess in thebase, adjacent to the opening in the third support member; a threadedrod extending through the opening and into the recess; and a wheel onthe threaded rod with the third support member located between thethreaded wheel and the base; wherein the wheel can be moved along thethreaded rod to engage and retain the third support member in alocation, and can be moved to release the third support member such thatthe base can be moved to change the angle of the first support member.

Embodiment 14

The stand of Embodiment 13, wherein the wheel extends through a wheelopening in the first support member, and wherein the opening has a sizeinsufficient for the wheel to be removed from the rod.

Embodiment 15

The stand of any of Embodiments 13-14, wherein the recess has a sizelarger than a diameter of the threaded rod such that when the wheeldisengages the third support member the rod can be tilted toward and/oraway from the first support member, thereby moving the third supportmember.

Embodiment 16

The stand of any of Embodiments 13-14, wherein the third support membercomprises a slot, and wherein the threaded rod extend through the slotsuch that when the wheel disengages the third support member thelocation of the threaded rod in the slot can be adjusted.

Embodiment 17

The stand of any of Embodiments 1-16, further comprising a third supportmember in operable communication with the base and the vertical supportmember, and a rib extending between the first support member and thethird support member.

Embodiment 18

The stand of any of Embodiments 1-17, wherein the second support memberextends through an opening through the first support member, wherein theopening has an opening size, and wherein the second support member has asize on each side of the opening that is larger than the opening size.

Embodiment 19

The stand of any of Embodiments 1-18, wherein the second support membercomprises an aperture through the retaining member.

Embodiment 20

The stand of any of Embodiments 1-19, wherein the base comprises a notchacross a bottom surface extending from the front of the base to the rearof the base and sized to receive a cord.

Embodiment 21

The stand of any of Embodiments 1-20, wherein stand is configured toreceive an electronic device selected from a digital music player, adigital video player, a digital music and video player, a cellularphone, a personal digital assistant, a handheld digital computer, and acombination comprising at least one of the foregoing.

Embodiment 22

A stand for holding a device comprising: a base; a first support memberoriented in a vertical direction in operable communication with thebase; a second support member oriented in a horizontal direction inoperable communication with the first support member; wherein the secondsupport member comprises retaining member angled away from the secondsupport member in a vertical direction; wherein at least one of thebase, first support member, and second support member comprises anadjustment mechanism allowing for the adjustment of the location of theretaining member; wherein the stand comprises a one-piece unit.

In general, the invention may alternately comprise, consist of, orconsist essentially of, any appropriate components herein disclosed. Theinvention may additionally, or alternatively, be formulated so as to bedevoid, or substantially free, of any components, materials,ingredients, adjuvants or species used in the prior art compositions orthat are otherwise not necessary to the achievement of the functionand/or objectives of the present invention.

All ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and theendpoints are independently combinable with each other (e.g., ranges of“up to 25 wt %, or, more specifically, 5 to 20 wt %”, is inclusive ofthe endpoints and all intermediate values of the ranges of “5 to 25 wt%,” etc.). “Combination” is inclusive of blends, mixtures, alloys,reaction products, and the like. Furthermore, the terms “first,”“second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, orimportance, but rather are used to denote one element from another. Theterms “a” and “an” and “the” herein do not denote a limitation ofquantity, and are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. The suffix “(s)” as used herein is intended to include both thesingular and the plural of the term that it modifies, thereby includingone or more of that term (e.g., the film(s) includes one or more films).Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment,” “anotherembodiment,” “an embodiment,” and so forth, means that a particularelement (e.g., feature, structure, and/or characteristic) described inconnection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentdescribed herein, and may or may not be present in other embodiments. Inaddition, it is to be understood that the described elements may becombined in any suitable manner in the various embodiments. “Optional”or “optionally” means that the subsequently described event orcircumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includesinstances where the event occurs and instances where it does not.

All cited patents, patent applications, and other references areincorporated herein by reference in their entirety. However, if a termin the present application contradicts or conflicts with a term in theincorporated reference, the term from the present application takesprecedence over the conflicting term from the incorporated reference.

While typical embodiments have been set forth for the purpose ofillustration, the foregoing descriptions should not be deemed to be alimitation on the scope herein. Accordingly, various modifications,adaptations, and alternatives can occur to one skilled in the artwithout departing from the spirit and scope herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A stand for holding a device comprising: a base;a first support member oriented in a vertical direction in operablecommunication with the base, wherein the first support member has anopening having an opening size; a second support member oriented in ahorizontal direction in operable communication with the first supportmember; a retaining member extending from the second support member andangled in a vertical direction, away from the base; and an adjustmentmechanism connecting the first support member and the second supportmember, and configured to adjust at least one of a location and an angleof the retaining member; wherein the second support member has a size oneach side of the opening that is greater than the opening size; whereinthe stand was formed as a one-piece unit that cannot be disassembled. 2.The stand of claim 1, wherein the second support member is in operablecommunication with the first support member through a connection member.3. The stand of any claim 1, wherein the connection member and firstsupport member are attached together via a first hinge, and theconnection member and second support member are attached together via asecond hinge.
 4. The stand of claim 1, further comprising a lockingmechanism in operable communication with the base and at least one ofthe connecting member and the second support member.
 5. The stand ofclaim 4, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a locking membercomprising a protrusion extending away from the base to enable manualadjustment of the locking member with respect to the base; and aplurality of recesses located between the protrusion and an end of thelocking member that extends through the base; a channel through thebase, wherein a wall of the channel comprises a projection configured toengage the recess; and a wedge extending from the base, wherein thewedge is configured to move along a track and thereby contact a thirdsupport member that extends from the first support member along the baseto a base hinge.
 6. A stand for holding a device comprising: a base; asingle holding member formed by a first support member oriented in avertical direction in operable communication with the base, a secondsupport portion oriented in a horizontal direction in operablecommunication with the first support member and extending through anopening in the first support member, and a connection member connectingthe first support member and the second support member, wherein thereare no hinges between the first support member, second support memberand connection member; a retaining member extending from the secondsupport member and angled in a vertical direction, away from the base;and an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the location and/orangle of the retaining member; wherein the opening has an opening sizeand the second support portion has a size on each side of the openingthat is greater than the opening size; and wherein the stand was formedas a one-piece unit that cannot be disassembled.
 7. The stand of claim6, wherein the adjustment mechanism is on the base and comprises a wedgeand track.
 8. The stand of claim 6, further comprising a third supportmember that extends from the first support member along the base to abase hinge; a wedge extending from the base, wherein the wedge isconfigured to move along a track in the base, below the third supportmember and change the orientation of the first support member; and alocking recess configured to receive the wedge.
 9. The stand of claim 8,further comprising a tab connected to the wedge with a tab hinge,wherein the tab is configured to rotate about the tab hinge to a useposition wherein pressure on the tab pushes the wedge along the track,or pulls the wedge along the track.
 10. The stand of claim 8, whereinthe locking member is in operable communication with at least one of theconnecting member and the second support member via a locking memberhinge.
 11. The stand of claim 6, wherein the adjustment mechanismcomprises an opening though the third support member; a recess in thebase, adjacent to the opening in the third support member; a threadedrod extending through the opening and into the recess; and a wheel onthe threaded rod with the third support member located between thethreaded wheel and the base; wherein the wheel can be moved along thethreaded rod to engage and retain the third support member in alocation, and can be moved to release the third support member such thatthe base can be moved to change the angle of the first support member.12. The stand of claim 11, wherein the wheel extends through a wheelopening in the first support member, and wherein the opening has a sizeinsufficient for the wheel to be removed from the rod.
 13. The stand ofclaim 11, wherein the recess has a size larger than a diameter of thethreaded rod such that when the wheel disengages the third supportmember the rod can be tilted toward and/or away from the first supportmember, thereby moving the third support member.
 14. The stand of claim11, wherein the third support member comprises a slot, and wherein thethreaded rod extend through the slot such that when the wheel disengagesthe third support member the location of the threaded rod in the slotcan be adjusted.
 15. The stand of claim 11, further comprising a thirdsupport member in operable communication with the base and the verticalsupport member, and a rib extending between the first support member andthe third support member.
 16. The stand of claim 1, further comprisingan aperture through the retaining member.
 17. The stand of claim 11,wherein the base comprises a notch across a bottom surface of the baseand extending from the front of the base to the rear of the base andsized to receive a cord.
 18. The stand of claim 1, wherein stand isconfigured to receive an electronic device selected from a digital musicplayer, a digital video player, a digital music and video player, acellular phone, a personal digital assistant, a handheld digitalcomputer, and a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing.19. A stand for holding a device comprising: a base comprising a notchacross a bottom surface of the base and extending from the front of thebase to the rear of the base and sized to receive a cord; a firstsupport member oriented in a vertical direction in operablecommunication with the base, wherein the first support member has anopening having an opening size; a second support member oriented in ahorizontal direction in operable communication with the first supportmember; a retaining member with an aperture therethrough, wherein theretaining member extends from the second support member and angled in avertical direction, away from the base; and an adjustment mechanismcomprising a connection member that connects the first support memberand the second support member, wherein the adjustment mechanism isconfigured to adjust at least one of a location and an angle of theretaining member, wherein the connection member and first support memberare attached together via a first hinge, and the connection member andsecond support member are attached together via a second hinge; whereinthe second support member has a size on each side of the opening that isgreater than the opening size; wherein the stand was formed as aone-piece unit that cannot be disassembled.
 20. The stand of claim 19,wherein the locking mechanism comprises a locking member comprising aprotrusion extending away from the base to enable manual adjustment ofthe locking member with respect to the base; and a plurality of recesseslocated between the protrusion and an end of the locking member thatextends through the base; a channel through the base, wherein a wall ofthe channel comprises a projection configured to engage the recess; anda wedge extending from the base, wherein the wedge is configured to movealong a track and thereby contact a third support member that extendsfrom the first support member along the base to a base hinge.